Perhaps because of its prosaic title (Three
Piano Pieces), Schubert’s D946 remains
under-recorded and performed for its
stature, despite the support of such
luminaries as Pollini. Yet these are
substantial and magnificent pieces.
McCawley gives an impetuous, febrile
account of the first – tormented, even; plus,
he has the intelligence to think in the long
lines these works demand.

Of the song selection of five Lieder
arranged by Liszt, which form a central panel
to the recital, Du bist di Ruh is most
remarkable for its interior expression. As to
the generally fast Wanderer Fantasy, it is
full of
intelligent observation but doesn’t quite
sustain the argument across its span; here
McCawley’s impetuosity is somewhat
misplaced. An ambitious Schubert disc,
creditably done.